Look at those baby blues! I was really hoping she'd get the yellow rings around her pupils (as that's a hallmark of my mother's family), but I guess I'll settle for this beautiful shade of blue :)
One month of blogging and posting photos every day (well, sort of... yeah for backposting!). So far it's been a great incentive to take lots of pictures and to process them in a timely fashion. Although, I've been feeling rather uninspired lately. Lots of work, not a whole lot of sun makes for pictures of Little Bit. Perhaps next week I'll get some sort of theme going.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
31/366
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
29/366
It's the first installment of my sock club! I've never worked with this yarn, but I'm not thinking I'm going to use the pattern. I think the pattern deserves a more muted sock yarn, whereas this might need to become Chevrolace socks. What do you think?
Monday, January 28, 2008
28/365
I went to my LYS on Saturday and got the yarn for Pinnacles, a lovely design by KT Vaughn. I was on the fence about whether to use the yarn recommended (Classic Elite's Wool Bam Boo), but a feel test at the LYS definitely made the choice clear. It was hand's down the softest yarn in the store in that gauge. I got 3 balls in the Sachet colorway (it reminds me of my absolute favorite scent lavender).
I'm nearly done with the 4th repeat (of 14 for half the scarf ) and am just loving it! It stays interesting and looks fabulous. I can't wait to wear it!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
27/366
We woke up this morning to a quiet, foggy and much warmer day. There is just something intimate about a foggy morning that is hard to capture.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
And I thought I was well travelled
How much of the world have you visited?
I'm uploading a bunch of pictures from this last week, so be sure to check out the new posts below :) If you're reading via a subscriber, then you should pick them up, and I know I have at least one subscriber (who is not my mom) :) Shout out to KT, who has the awesomest dishcloth patterns ever. I'm a verified stalker-fan.
I actually won KT's ideas contest and am now the proud owner of two patterns!! I chose the Pinnacles scarf and the Patchwork Tote, both of which I can't wait to cast on for! I'm actually heading to my LYS this afternoon to pick up my first installment of their sock club (SWEET!) and I'll see about getting the yarn for the scarf, before it gets too warm.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Friday
I'm sitting at my desk freezing my arse off. And it didn't even have the dignity to get cold enough to freeze so I didn't have to go into work today. Rather, it's really cold (34 degrees) and raining, and I have to go out into it in a few minutes.
The only cure for intense, humid cold is good Ecuadorian wool. And I don't care that it's 5 sizes too big and a busy Andean print. Until the sun comes back, I'm going to wear it.
Don't even bring it up.
The only cure for intense, humid cold is good Ecuadorian wool. And I don't care that it's 5 sizes too big and a busy Andean print. Until the sun comes back, I'm going to wear it.
Don't even bring it up.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
023/366 - Houston, we have a problem
I finished the last decrease on Jason's sweater today. Woo hoo!
But, when I looked down at it, this is what I saw.
An 8 stitch difference!! That's 1 set of 4x4 rib!!! There is no way I can pull that one off. Especially if I want my husband to ever wear it. And after all the time I've spent on it, he had better. So, this is the last look you will get of the sweater before I rip back to the armpits.
But, when I looked down at it, this is what I saw.
An 8 stitch difference!! That's 1 set of 4x4 rib!!! There is no way I can pull that one off. Especially if I want my husband to ever wear it. And after all the time I've spent on it, he had better. So, this is the last look you will get of the sweater before I rip back to the armpits.
Oh, it hurts me so.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
021/366
It's a cold and grey day... perhaps if we refill our bird feeder we'll get more winter birds?
And the house of cards comes tumbling down
I came across this interesting article today at work. Honestly, how long did the banks think we could continue to live beyond our means? Only problem now is how to get these consumers to pay up when the money just isn't there?
I think it's past time to take a step back, get a good idea of our situation and live realistically. Stash knitting never sounded so good.
I think it's past time to take a step back, get a good idea of our situation and live realistically. Stash knitting never sounded so good.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
20/366
Ahh, Sunday mornings. The time to get all the homestuff wrapped up before the week comes rushing in. I love Sundays.
We had a good service tonight. It was on stewardship of time, and I have lots to think about (but no time to blog it... ironic, eh?). We did a great job playing our worship set though... we had a full band and lots of fun. Too bad our recorder was on the fritz..
I'm off to bed, we've got a full week ahead of us. Hope you had a great weekend!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
19/366
Today was clean up day! Little Bit had way too many toys out... I was overstimulated. So, I decided that we needed a little toy rotation, especially since birthday and Christmas are so close and its going to be a LOOOONG time before we get another infusion of new things.
Project was completed and was a rousing success. Little Bit can now play with all of the toys that are out, and in a few months, will get to play with those toys she currently doesn't have enough time or attention to get to.
Defeat the Winter Doldrums Swap Topic: Dishcloth/Dishrag/Facecloth?
Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?
My response? None of the above. I call them washcloths. Little Bit calls them "wa-da" :) I think this may be a regional thing too, like some people call the things you put groceries in as either bags or sacks. I'm not one to care much about what you call it so long as it doesn't lie around in your linen closet unused. I think that's what I like most about knitting washcloths. They are small (read: fast to do), can be quite beautiful, but are also quite functional, so long as you use the right kind of cotton. On that note, I don't recommend using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic cotton for any kind of washcloth/dishcloth/whatevercloth as it feels like you're wiping your face with a wet cat. Yuck! It's much better to use this cotton for more yummy projects like baby sweaters and mitts :)
The husband has the computer tied up again today, so picture posting will have to wait until later. I've already gotten a lot done this morning: started our taxes, thinned out Little Bit's toys, cleaned up the playroom and babyroom (yes, she gets 2 rooms of the house!) and started the laundry. Whew! But I've still got more to do, so I'm off to chase my toddler and get my list done. Hope you have a good weekend!
My response? None of the above. I call them washcloths. Little Bit calls them "wa-da" :) I think this may be a regional thing too, like some people call the things you put groceries in as either bags or sacks. I'm not one to care much about what you call it so long as it doesn't lie around in your linen closet unused. I think that's what I like most about knitting washcloths. They are small (read: fast to do), can be quite beautiful, but are also quite functional, so long as you use the right kind of cotton. On that note, I don't recommend using Blue Sky Alpacas Organic cotton for any kind of washcloth/dishcloth/whatevercloth as it feels like you're wiping your face with a wet cat. Yuck! It's much better to use this cotton for more yummy projects like baby sweaters and mitts :)
The husband has the computer tied up again today, so picture posting will have to wait until later. I've already gotten a lot done this morning: started our taxes, thinned out Little Bit's toys, cleaned up the playroom and babyroom (yes, she gets 2 rooms of the house!) and started the laundry. Whew! But I've still got more to do, so I'm off to chase my toddler and get my list done. Hope you have a good weekend!
Friday, January 18, 2008
18/366 - Monkey FO
I wore my Monkey's to work! They are awesome. The fit is perfect, especially on the second sock, and they are a lovely spot of color in this otherwise very grey day.
I learned a lot with this pair:
1. Think tight. Ladders are not so great. But, they won't keep me from wearing it.
2. Get an interesting pattern. I flew through the monkey lace section, but my boring foot mods dragged me down. I like to be engaged in my patterns.
3. Ball winders rock.
So, for my next pair, I'm thinking Slippery with my desert yarn from Lori. But then, the sock club starts up next Friday. Until then I have a sweater to finish.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Snow!!
Have you seen Anne's (of knitspot) new project? I am SO in love!! As a former northerner, I believe that when it gets cold it should snow. But in TX, it just gets cold and windy. Granted not nearly as cold as it gets up north, or not nearly as long. I'm not complaining (much). Believe me, I'll be doing my happy dance when spring arrives at the end of February, while the rest of you are still slogging through slush.
But, every once in a while, a girl wants some snow. So, if Mother Nature isn't going to give me snow, why not knit it? This just might have to be my first lace/shawl project :)
But, every once in a while, a girl wants some snow. So, if Mother Nature isn't going to give me snow, why not knit it? This just might have to be my first lace/shawl project :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
16/366
Support your local public radio station! Their mugs rock! And they make my day liveable, not to mention the boon that is the many cups of hot tea I have consume.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
15/366
Check out that hair!
Today I started the ball rolling on something that may or may not bring about significant changes. I can't really say more now, but I've got my fingers crossed!
The husband is helping a family out with cleaning their home tonight, so I'm going to pull out my knitting and a hot cup of tea and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Hope you have a good night!
Monday, January 14, 2008
14/366
At Mosaic last week, we had an artist talking about creativity and he used blocks as his example. Let me see if I can retell it:
He had two piles of blocks... one was all jumbled up in a heap and the other was more like a tower. He was saying that the blocks are our education. We think that the more education we heap around us, the better a perspective we will have. However, he suggested that instead of heaping the education, we creatively take the blocks and build something with it. After a time, those buildings become tradition, or the accepted way. Creativity, he said, was when we destroyed the norm, and built something different, rearranged the blocks in a new way.
Basically, he said that being creative (or trying to do things in a new and different way) is perhaps one of the most dangerous jobs out there... people have burned at the stake for breaking the rules.
It was certainly an interesting thought. So, the husband and I came home and built our own creative, outside-the-block-box towers. Whaddya think?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
13/366
Looks a bit like a girl sweater, doesn't it? I tried it on... it's yummy... if the husband doesn't like it, I'm definitely adding it to my wardrobe. Now that the sweater has arms it takes forever to get a row done... thank goodness I'm decreasing every other one :)
Monkey's are DONE! I'm wearing them today to see how they work... woo hoo!!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
12/366
It is so much fun to experience life through the eyes of my 1 year old. Today she tried oranges for the first time after carrying it around the house proclaiming... ball... ball... ball? She seemed quite amazed that she could actually eat this ball :)
Friday, January 11, 2008
11/366
There isn't much that is more luxurious than a fluffy kitty taking a bath in the morning sun. YUM!
Jason's sweater is coming along swimmingly. I can smell the finish line!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
10/366
A package arrived for me today from Africa!! It included a beautiful shawl my dear friend Merica got for me at an Ethiopian market. I feel so very special!!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Dishcloth Swap
So, I've seen the swaps around in blogland, but I always seem to be two steps behind and I just get to read about the packages they are preparing or receiving. However, this time, I got in on time! This one is the Defeat the Winter Doldrums Dishcloth Swap. Check it out. There is a contest open through midnight Thursday; and then registration opens up Friday morning. I can't wait!!
This is a picture of one of the many gift washcloths that I gave away this year. This pattern is Opening Hour Washcloth from the lovely Knit with KT. Isn't the texture just scrumptious? I must knit one of these for myself soon.
Here is the swap questionnaire:
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit. My mom taught me how to crochet when she was here last, but I have yet to pick up a hook and actually make something with it :)
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
My current favorites are my Harmony Knit Picks circulars... it makes transporting the project oh so easy. And they are so pretty!
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I've really been digging the Peaches n Cream cotton... its a bit softer than the Sugar n Cream I had been using... but really, it's all good. I haven't been doing this long enough to even have cotton envy... something to aspire to :)
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
Our kitchen is a lovely dark green with cherry wood (think a deep, summer forest). Our bath is a cozy dark blue.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
I like natural-scheme colors, browns, greens, oranges, blues, etc :)
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
I live in TX, so winter is a break from the oppressive heat... I certainly welcome it when it comes, but I'm certainly ready for spring about the end of January :)
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
Spending time with my friends, drinking a delicious cup of tea or coffee (or wine, depends on how bad of a day it was), and listening to good music.
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?
a hot cup of tea
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
Yes. I prefer dark coffee roasts, I'll try any kind of tea and cocoa - dark again :)
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Costa Rica and spend a week in the rainforest
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
Not that I can think of :)
This is a picture of one of the many gift washcloths that I gave away this year. This pattern is Opening Hour Washcloth from the lovely Knit with KT. Isn't the texture just scrumptious? I must knit one of these for myself soon.
Here is the swap questionnaire:
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both?
I knit. My mom taught me how to crochet when she was here last, but I have yet to pick up a hook and actually make something with it :)
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths?
My current favorites are my Harmony Knit Picks circulars... it makes transporting the project oh so easy. And they are so pretty!
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try?
I've really been digging the Peaches n Cream cotton... its a bit softer than the Sugar n Cream I had been using... but really, it's all good. I haven't been doing this long enough to even have cotton envy... something to aspire to :)
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)?
Our kitchen is a lovely dark green with cherry wood (think a deep, summer forest). Our bath is a cozy dark blue.
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite?
I like natural-scheme colors, browns, greens, oranges, blues, etc :)
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends?
I live in TX, so winter is a break from the oppressive heat... I certainly welcome it when it comes, but I'm certainly ready for spring about the end of January :)
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps?
Spending time with my friends, drinking a delicious cup of tea or coffee (or wine, depends on how bad of a day it was), and listening to good music.
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps?
a hot cup of tea
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa?
Yes. I prefer dark coffee roasts, I'll try any kind of tea and cocoa - dark again :)
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Costa Rica and spend a week in the rainforest
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of?
Not that I can think of :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
8/366
It's co-op day! Every two weeks we get a big box of fresh, organic produce, and oh my, this time, it's full of delicious fruit and veggies. The eggplant, especially, looks yummy. I can't wait to cook it!
In knitting news, not a whole lot has been happening around here. This weekend our Netflix queue delivered us the first installment of Life in the Undergrowth. We spent the entire time with our mouths hanging open. Who knew bugs could be so amazingly cool?! Evolution may have some true elements; but seriously, I have a really hard time believing that the intricacies of a spider's legs and their motion detectors simply evolved from plant cells. And then we had friends over last night for dinner... and the knitting basket got moved from her place of honor... and well, sometimes it's good to take a break.
I'm so close to being done with my Monkey's if I just sat down and focused, I just might finish them tonight. And a new disc of the Wire arrived today - perfect knitting tv.
Monday, January 7, 2008
7/366
Tonight we had some friends over and had good food, good wine, good conversation and good cheesecake. God bless whoever invented pack n plays... put the babies to bed, then everyone gets to enjoy adult time.
Over the course of the evening, I discovered that one of my favorite authors, Robert Jordan, died last fall. I've been reading his books since I was in middle school. He will certainly be missed.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
6/366
Progress pic of Jason's sweater. I'll go back to working on this just as soon as I finish my monkey's. I'm fairly pleased with it thus far, I just hope the sleeves turn out ok. But that deserves it's own post - more on that later.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
5/366 - Monkey ladders
This, dear knit sibs, is what happens when you get the idea in your head of minimizing ladders by shifting the stitches over the needles. Instead of 2 loose stitches, you get... many more of them!! Oh, and I learned that its not really the first 2 stitches on the next needle I have a problem with, its the last 2 stitches on the first needle that are crazy loose. I can tell you I'm not doing the shifting thing again. But since its just a pair of socks that will spend most of their life in my shoes, I'm not ripping back... I just want this DONE! I'm about an inch below my toe decreases... almost there!
Lesson learned.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
3/366
Little Bit gives her bear some love. She is growing up so quickly!
There is knitting occurring, but not a whole lot of visible progress on anything. My second Monkey is turning the heel, but I'm not going to be able to finish it in time to wear to work tomorrow. Oh well. There's always next week!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
2/366
Just in time for the really cold weather, crocheted socks from my Mom arrived. They are awesome and they fit so well. Thank you!!
In other news, I taught my mom how to knit when she was down for a visit early December. She wanted to learn to knit so she could knit a sweater. As you can see, she is a very accomplished crocheter, so I figured she'd fiddle with the knitting, then move back to the crochet. But last I heard, she's going for an Irish Hiking scarf... I can't wait to see it!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
1/366
Project 365 here we come! this is a great picture to start out the series, as she is just about to head out. Let's enjoy the journey!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)